Volunteer opportunities at Canons Ashby

The garden at Canons Ashby, Northamptonshire in February, with neatly trimmed topiary trees and a sundial in the middle of the path, with steps leading up to further gardens and the house beyond — The house and garden in February at Canons Ashby | © National Trust Images/Chris Jonas

The teams of dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers are the lifeblood of Canons Ashby, all playing their part in caring for this atmospheric 16th-century family home and helping to tell its stories. Find out more about how you can join the team or support our work in different ways.

Join our team

Our volunteers are the lifeblood of Canons Ashby and we've got lots of interesting roles for those looking to join our friendly and enthusiastic team. With the help of our volunteers, we can create a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere for our visitors.

Volunteering is a great opportunity to learn new skills, as well as flexing old ones, in the company of interesting and sociable people. Our volunteers have come from all backgrounds and ages, so you don’t have to worry about qualifications or experience.

'I love volunteering at Canons Ashby, it’s such a unique property; understated, modest but a real treasure. There’s opportunity for all to be involved in many and varied voluntary roles. Volunteers support staff to care for Canons Ashby, and present it to our visitors who, without exception, enjoy their visits. It's a privilege to be involved with such a lovely place.'

- Rhona Milner, volunteer

Ways to volunteer at Canons Ashby

Canons Ashby relies on the kind people who offer their time in any way they can to look after this historic estate and bring it to life for our visitors. Here's a sample of the various roles volunteers are currently enjoying:

House Volunteer
Gardener
Retail Volunteer
Bookshop Volunteer
Events and programming volunteer
Welcome Volunteer
Tea-Room Volunteer

If any of the above sounds like you, please get in touch and share your skills.

The Drawing Room at Canons Ashby, Northamptonshire. The walls are dark dusty pink colour with a large barrelled plasterwork ceiling and a large marble fireplace featuring heraldic crests above. — The Drawing Room at Canons Ashby | © National Trust Images/Andreas von Einsiedel

Other ways to get involved

As well as regular volunteering there are also opportunities to get involved through internships and work experience. To enquire, please email us or complete an online expression of interest form.

Why join us?

There are lots of reasons to join us; making the move to volunteer could be the best decision you ever make.

Become part of a friendly and dedicated team
Meet people from all walks of life and forge new friendships
Utilise your existing skills and learn new ones
Strengthen your CV and help to develop your career
Enjoy the great outdoors
Learn about the history of this special place.

Join a local supporters group

If you are interested in making the most of the National Trust near you then you can join your local supporter group. They are great places to enjoy special interest talks, local walks, coach outings and other social and fundraising events, while also supporting the work of the National Trust in your area.

The Northamptonshire National Trust Association, Rugby National Trust Association and National Trust Leicester Association are all near to Canons Ashby and generously support the work here.

Visit the regional supporter group page to find out more about the work of supporter groups in the area and how to join.